Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Branches New England How long to claybar?

I was wondering how long it takes to claybar the Contour. I'm not talking serious detailing, but it will be my first time, and I'd just like to smooth it out a bit before she gets all waxed up for the season.

I usually wash with dish soap first too, to remove the old wax. Is that still the plan before a claybar?

yep
I think it can take up to an hour to do.
I'm slow, so it takes me a long time to detail the car, therefore probably takes me all of an hour and then some.

make sure you use some spray while you're claybarring (depending on which claybar you go with). The car is going to feel so smooth. You'll love it!

You can quickly do it in about 25 minutes.

But here is my suggestion:
Since it seems you don't want to detail the entire car, I suggest the following areas to clay....

hood, side mirrors, front bumper, rear bumper.

That should take about 30-40 minutes to do thoroughly. More towards the 20-30 minutes if you quickly go over it.

And yes, I still use the dish soap theory prior to claying.

EDIT: It takes me about 1 hour of clay time on a car that is in tough shape (paint contamination). It takes me about 20 minutes to do the parts I said above on my SVT.
Took me over an hour the first time I used clay bar on those parts (first time using clay ever). You get used to it as you go.

Also - Changing my initial time estimate.

An hour sounds good. I just wanted to make sure I didn't have to plan 1/2 day! I plan to do the whole car, Hugo. I just meant I wasn't planning to be "extra finicky".

Steve did that last night, actually (along with putting the first coat of Zaino on her for this year)! She's all purdy now...and as smooth as a baby's bottom!

So, if I drop it on the ground - I just rub it on my pants and keep going, right? lol...

riiiiiight.

No. If it drops in the ground, quickly put it in sand to absorb any liquids it may have touched. Then...dust it off and continue.


FOR THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW...I'M ONLY KIDDING!

don't forget to knead the sand into the clay to be sure it's evenly distributed

I just did mine too. wasn't timing myself though. when i was done the bar was terrible looking. the box says can be used for 3 cars, Ha, not after mine.